The Bears’ offense is expecting to get a boost this week with running back Khalil Herbert returning from injured reserve.
Herbert was leading the Bears in rushing — and 11th in the NFL — in a complementary role to starter David Montgomery when he suffered a hip injury on a kickoff return against the Lions on Nov. 13. He has missed the last four games.
“He is cleared, ready to go,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s got all the jumps, his speed. He’s been cuttin’, He’s been movin’. He looks great. We’re excited about his return.”
The Herbert-Montgomery tandem, along with quarterback Justin Fields, has helped the Bears lead the NFL in rushing this season (186.9 yards per game).
Herbert has 108 carries for 643 yards (6.0 average) and four touchdowns in 10 games this season. Montgomery has 172 carries for 694 yards (4.0 average) and five touchdowns. In the four games without Herbert, Montgomery has 57 carries for 260 yards (4.6 average) and three touchdowns.
Jenkins out of hospital
Starting right guard Teven Jenkins has been released from the hospital after leaving Sunday’s Eberflus did not have any details about Jenkins injury, but did not rule out Jenkins playing again this season. Jenkins has started 10 games this season, including the last eight.
“It’s encouraging with him,” Eberflus said. “He is seeing a couple of specialists just to double-check and cross-check everything. We’ll know more as time goes.”
Hurts hurt
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a sprained shoulder when he was hit by Bears defensive end Trevis Gipson in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Hurts’ status for the Eagles game against the Cowboys on Saturday is in doubt. But the injury is not considered long term, NFL Network reported.
Rookie mistake
Eberflus said he would be “encouraging” with wide receiver Velus Jones after the rookie had his third ball-security issue of the season Sunday — a fumble on an end around. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be benched.
“Like anybody that goes through adversity … encourage them. Teach,” Eberflus said. “Fundamentally teach what we need to do during the moment — reaching five points of pressure [on the ball, just be encouraging,” Eberflus said. “Drill it and drill it and drill it. He had the ball in the correct arm. [Haason] Redick ended up hitting his shoulder pad to his elbow and the ball came out, so we did’ have the find points of pressure. We’ve got to do a good job of that.”
Next man up
Veteran linebacker Joe Thomas had six tackles against the Eagles, including the Bears’ only sack in 43 snaps in place of rookie Jack Sanborn, who injured his ankle early in the second half.
“He did an excellent job of stepping into that role,” Eberflus said. “He hasn’t had a lot of time on task in that role. He’s been mostly a SAM [strong-side] linebacker and working on special teams. He made a couple of real nice tackles [and] put his hitting on display. I’m always impressed with guys who like to hit.”
